'Frustating' time for Davids and winless Kings

PRO14 REACTION: Southern Kings head coach Deon Davids revealed that he was frustrated with his team's second successive derby defeat to South African rivals the Cheetahs.

The Kings were beaten 24-45 at the Free State Stadium at the weekend.

The home side, Cheetahs scored six tries to the three recorded by the Kings but at half-time, the match was still very much in the balance, with the Cheetahs leading 24-17.

The Kings’ points came via scores by centre Luzuko Vulindlu and prop forward Schalk Ferreira – both were converted by Ntabeni Dukisa, who also added a penalty goal.

Meanwhile, the hosts were in front thanks to a Nico Lee brace and a further try from Uzair Cassiem.

The second half saw the Cheetahs apply much more pressure and force some mistakes they were able to capitalise on.

Tries by Ox Nche, Makazole Mapimpi, and Shaun Venter – flyhalf Zeilinga also kicking six conversions – saw them out to a comfortable home win, with a late Kings score by Tienie Burger providing some consolation.

"Too often, we allow early scores against us and then have to play catch-up, which is not ideal," said Kings head coach Deon Davids after the match.

"It’s also frustrating to note how many of the Cheetahs scores came about not from set plays that fooled our defence but rather from broken-play situations, where we turned the ball back over to them and they punished us,"

Meanwhile, Kings captain Michael Willemse conceded a lack of belief was one of the overriding factors behind the defeat.

"We do need to be more composed when those moments – and when we have momentum – present themselves, and that’s what I feel we didn’t do," said Willemse.

"Composure and lack of belief is where we are costing ourselves, in my opinion,"